2013 gmc savana Model Overview

Sum Up

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The 2013 GMC Savana has three models available: 1500, 2500, and 3500. Each model comes in a cargo van or passenger van body style. Vans have several trim levels within each body style and are either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending on model and submodel chosen.

New For 2013

Rear-vision camera, rear park assist, and navigation radio are available on LS and LT trim levels in both the passenger and cargo van configurations.

Exterior

The fully galvanized steel bodies of Savana vans come painted in up to 12 different choices of clearcoat or metallic monotone paint, ranging from white to grey to black, as well as some more colorful choices, like Fire Red, Tangier Orange, Wheatland Yellow, and Woodland Green. All vans come standard with three doors, with four doors available as an option. The right rear passenger door is split swing-out, with the option of a sliding right rear passenger door.

The grille trim is black, with chrome trim available as an option. The wheels are all gray steel and come paired with all-season tires, suitable for driving on most road surfaces during most weather conditions. Painted steel, grey steel, black steel, and silver aluminum wheels are available for extra style. Windows are light tinted for the cargo vans and deep tinted for the passenger vans, for added privacy.

Interior & Cargo

Seat configurations vary depending on model and body type chosen, although all seats come upholstered in vinyl. All models also come with air conditioning standard. Rear air conditioning with separate controls is available as an option for both Cargo and Passenger vans. Cargo vans come with bucket seats in the front and can only seat two people. Front seats are four-way adjustable, with power seat adjustments available.

Front seats are bucket seats in the passenger vans as well, with bench seats in the rear. The 1500 passenger vans can seat up to eight passengers and come with two bench seats in the rear. The 2500 and 3500 passenger vans can seat up to 12 passengers and come with three bench seats in the rear. The rear seats are removable for added cargo storage space.

The audio system is mostly optional on the Cargo Van Work Van. Only two speakers and a fixed antenna come standard on this submodel, though the Cargo Van Upfitter has an AM/FM/CD player and Internet Access. The Passenger Vans do a little better. A navigation system that comes with voice activation is available as an option for cargo vans and passenger vans alike.

The cargo vans have 239.7 cubic feet of cargo storage space. The passenger vans have 92.1 cubic feet of storage space when the seats are up and 216.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the seats are taken out. The 1500 cargo van can carry up 2360 pounds of cargo, or carry a 4300 pound trailer. The 2500 cargo van can carry 3287 pounds of cargo, or carry a 7400 pound trailer. The 3500 cargo van can carry 3491 pounds of cargo, or carry a 9700 pound trailer.

Safety

Frontal impact airbags for the driver and passenger come standard, as do side impact beams for added safety in the case of a crash. The 2500 and 3500 models even have a cancellable airbag for the front passenger. Passenger vans come with side curtain airbags in the first, second, and third rows. Anti-lock brakes and driveline traction control help the driver stay in control of the vehicle during a skid. Another feature that increases safety in difficult driving situations is stability control. Passenger vans come with rear child safety door locks to keep young passengers safely within the vehicle.

An Emergency communication system is an available option for Cargo Vans. Passenger vans come with OnStar Directions & Connections standard. This feature also comes with stolen vehicle tracking.

Savana vans come with a variety of warnings, such as low fuel warning, service interval warning, and service interval warning. Besides these standard warnings, these vans also come with low battery warning, lights left on warning, and key left in the ignition warning.

Driving Experience

Several different engines are available for the 2013 GMC Savana vans. A 4.3-liter, 195 horsepower, V-6 engine is standard on the base 1500 cargo van, while other 1500 vans all come with a 5.3-liter, 310 horsepower, V-8 flexible fuel engine. The 4.3-liter engine is rated at 15/20 mpg city/highway. The 5.3-liter engine has fuel economy of 10/13 mpg city/highway.1500 engines come paired with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

2500 and 3500 vans come with either a 4.8-liter, 280 horsepower, flexible fuel engine rated at 8/12 mpg city/highway; a 6.0-liter, 324 horsepower, V-8 engine; or a 6.0-liter, 279 horsepower, V-8 engine depending on the submodel chosen. The fuel economy range for the V-8 engines is 8-11/11-17 mpg city/highway. 1500 vans are available on either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. 2500 and 3500 vans are only available in rear-wheel drive. Savana 2500 and 3500 engines come paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

All 2013 GMC Savana vans come with the same suspension: a front short and long arm suspension supported by an anti-roll bar, coil springs, and gas-pressurized shocks. The rear suspension is a leaf suspension and comes supported by leaf springs and gas-pressurized shocks. The leaf suspension allows the weight of heavy cargo to be balanced throughout the chassis. The front short and long arm suspension gives the driver better handling and works with the springs and shocks to minimize the effect of road imperfections on the passengers.

Key Competitors For The 2013 GMC Savana

2013 GMC Savana Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$29,510

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$17,475

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#13V001000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Consequence

As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.

Units Affected

54686

Recall ID#14V117000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Consequence

In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Recall Date

2014-03-17

Description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.

Units Affected

303013

Recall ID#13V147000 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Consequence

If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.

Recall Date

2013-04-17

Description

Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured. As a result, the harness may become lodged in the seat riser mechanism.

Remedy

Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2013. Customers may contact Explorer Van Company at 1-800-926-7878. Explorer's number for this campaign is 2013-1.

Units Affected

885

Recall ID#13V147000 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Consequence

If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.

Recall Date

2013-04-17

Description

Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured. As a result, the harness may become lodged in the seat riser mechanism.

Remedy

Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2013. Customers may contact Explorer Van Company at 1-800-926-7878. Explorer's number for this campaign is 2013-1.

Units Affected

885

Recall ID#13V147000 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Consequence

If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.

Recall Date

2013-04-17

Description

Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured. As a result, the harness may become lodged in the seat riser mechanism.

Remedy

Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2013. Customers may contact Explorer Van Company at 1-800-926-7878. Explorer's number for this campaign is 2013-1.

Units Affected

885

Recall ID#13V001000 - STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

Consequence

As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.

Units Affected

54686

Recall ID#13V147000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Consequence

If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.

Recall Date

2013-04-17

Description

Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured. As a result, the harness may become lodged in the seat riser mechanism.

Remedy

Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2013. Customers may contact Explorer Van Company at 1-800-926-7878. Explorer's number for this campaign is 2013-1.

Units Affected

885

Recall ID#14V500000 - FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Consequence

A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.

Recall Date

2014-08-13

Description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.

Units Affected

3345

Recall ID#13V010000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Consequence

If the ignition key is removed while the vehicle is still on and/or the vehicle is not in Park, the vehicle may rollaway and the unintended movement of the vehicle may result in a possible crash or injury to pedestrians.

Recall Date

2013-01-14

Description

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Express vehicles manufactured November 1, 2012, through December 21, 2012; and model year 2013 GMC Savana vehicles, manufactured November 14, 2012, through November 20, 2012. It may be possible to remove the key from the ignition when the vehicle is running or the transmission is not in the Park position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection."

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and the two associated keys. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2013. For more information, GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463 and Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438.

Units Affected

980

Recall ID#13V225000 - FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Consequence

A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.

Recall Date

2013-05-15

Description

General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.

Remedy

GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.

Units Affected

1791

Recall ID#13V544000 - EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Consequence

Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall Date

2015-10-30

Description

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.

Remedy

GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13365.

2013 GMC Savana News and Reviews

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